Inspired Magazine JUNE Issue 14

Inspired

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LOCAL RELEVANT CHATTY

Vintage, Vintage HOW TO DO RETRO IN STYLE FOOD FIT FOR A QUEEN “Don’t call it fluffy!”

KERIS STAINTON ON YOUNG ADULT FICTION

Get out in the Garden!

Feel better

without popping a pill…holistic health advice

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14

Patriotic Interiors

Opulent Styling To book an appointment call:

01245 256 872 www.hairitage.co.uk

Kings Head Walk | Chelmsford | CM2 6FH

This month in Inspired

Editor

32

Hello!

Welcome to June!

FASHION

LIVING KITCHENS BEDROOMS

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We’re celebrating all things British with this month’s Inspired, from home ware to food to fashion, and we’ve also been searching out some great vintage-style fashion ideas that hark back to the 20s, 30s and 40s.

FRONT COVER

24 ‘It’s mind over platter’

PUMP has a pulse. With PUMP we buzz, bounce, shock and confuse. We shoot energetic, emotive, intense, naughty, awkward, extreme and playful images. We like to shout, rock, answer back, we like unpredictability and we like to be in your face. www.pumpphotography.com

On the subject of fashion, we’ve had a fabulous comment on the blog from Anita, who commented, “Sarah, Inspired always makes my train commute enjoyable. I was particularly impressed with the Rigby & Peller advert this month. It has used real non airbrushed ladies who looked normal, not ‘over’ toned and ‘over’ tanned. Well done R&P.” We loved the Rigby and Peller feature, too. It was lovely to see a photo shoot using ‘real’ women rather than airbrushed models and we’re really glad you like it!

In this issue we also have a real treat - an interview with the lovely Keris Stainton, a talented author who is launching her third book this month. We’ve also covered holistic health, come up with some fun Father’s Day gadget gift ideas, taken a look at some funky outdoor furniture ideas (for when it does actually stop raining) and much more.

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CHATTY

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MOTORS

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LADIES TIME OUT

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PETS

10 LADIES FASHION

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CINEMA

20 GENTLEMEN’S DEN

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BUSINESS

28

JUNIOR

48 BE INSPIRED

30 HOME STYLE

50 BUSINESS

DIRECTORY

36 THE GARDEN

Despite our pleas, the weather still hasn’t come through yet, but I’m holding out for a gloriously sunny Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend to make up for it. If you’re still looking for Jubilee party ideas, we’ve got some great outdoor toys and games for the kids, and tips on how to have a safe street party, as well as some delicious food ideas.

We hope you enjoy reading this month’s Inspired and have a wonderful June!

All the best

Sarah

Twitter: @inspiredessex Sarah.clark@inspiredessex.co.uk www.inspiredessex.co.uk

38 DINE IN STYLE 40 OUT TO EAT...?

Editor

Sarah Clark - M 07799 777018 sarah.clark@inspiredessex.co.uk

Advertising & Creative Director

Lee Doran - M 077 66 73 49 27 lee.doran@inspiredessex.co.uk

Office Telephone: Publisher: Office Address:

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The material in Inspired is subject to copyright.

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Copyright ©2011 Leed Limited TA Inspired Magazine

Inspired Magazine, a Leed Limited publication, is published on a monthly basis. The publisher, editors and contributors accept no responsibility in respect of any products, goods or services that may be advertised or referred to in this issue or for any errors, omissions, misstatements or mistakes in any such advertisements or references.

The views expressed in Inspired magazine are those of the respective contributors, not necessarily those of the publishers. Reproduction in part or full is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14

| PAGE 3

Chatty

Essex and the Not-so-Single Girl Dating sites. Two words that are guaranteed to strike fear into the heart of the newly-single, and the place where I just happened to meet The Man. We were lucky to meet, actually, given that my experiences leading up to meeting him had included a man who spent the entire date talking to my cleavage, a non-date that was cancelled a few days before it was due to happen with a mysterious text along the lines of, “It’s not going to happen.

Don’t ask me why because you won’t like it.”

– and the guy from Peterborough I saw a few times who left it four days before answering texts about whether he wanted to meet up at the weekend and was most put out when I arranged to go out with someone else instead!

It’s fair to say that dating sites do attract their fair share of nutters. It’s not just me, The Man had some spectacularly odd dates too, including one who claimed to be a witch and another who stormed out of their date when he got an attack of the giggles at her interview-style questioning…

I think most people who’ve been single in recent years have had a dalliance with internet dating. There’s really no stigma to it these days, and it makes a great topic of conversation over a bottle of wine with the girls (or beer with the boys) Not everyone believes me when I say that my first real taste of Internet dating resulted in me meeting (and falling hopelessly in love with) a recently separated dad who didn’t actually want a girlfriend, but had gone

online looking for one anyway, and taken a good two months to get round to telling me that. And introduced me to his kids.

And taken me away for a weekend. Hmm. Well I guess that’s what happens when your ex-wife decides she’s a lesbian while you’re still married to her and forgets to tell you she now has a girlfriend. It’s bound to confuse you, isn’t it? We actually ended up good friends for a while, but it was one of the most bizarre relationships (or non-relationships) I’ve ever had!

I could go on…but I’ll leave it there! My advice to anyone thinking of dipping their toe into the murky pond that is online dating is to give it a go. You’ll have to weed out the weirdoes, married ones and people who just want a bit of attention (male and female) but there are some lovely people online, just looking for someone like…you!

Old England WatchShop.com is the UK’s leading online watch retailer, and as you’d expect, they’ve found us something to commemorate all that’s British in time for this year’s festivities. Old England is a watch brand that dates right back to the Swinging Sixties and 60s and have been seen on the arms of Twiggy, Mary Quant and even one of the Beatles!

This unisex Old England New watch is made from PVD gold plated and is fitted with a quartz movement. It is fastened with a purple leather strap and has a green dial. There are other variations on the theme on the website, including pink, slate and authentic red, white and blue!

Price £100

The Ladies’ Old England New England Round Watch is also made from PVD gold plated and is powered by a quartz movement. It is fastened with a white leather strap and has a red dial.

Price £90 Flash some flag on your wrist this summer! www.WatchShop.com

4 PAGE | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

Chatty Summer 2012 is a British celebration so the very patriotic Twisted Cider has decided to ‘WAIVE the flag & delivery’ on a special Union Jack British cider pack.

A perfect addition to any planned street or garden parties, the Union Jack Pack is well balanced case of bespoke ciders that will make the perfect accompaniment to your pork pies, sandwiches and afternoon tea.

Once used in 14th century baptisms instead of water – there are plenty of familiar faces enjoying the fruits of the orchards including Prince William who has been quoted as saying ‘Everyone thinks I drink beer but I actually like cider’.

Perfectly chilled and taking pride of place at your table – what other drink is more fitting to say ‘cheers’ for this truly British celebratory year and delivered straight to your door (mainland UK only) www.twistedcider.com

Cider is enjoying the most celebrated and fast growing resurgence with over 13% of the UK population already enjoying cider at least once a month.

Twisted!

Get patriotic with Merrydown

With celebrations in full swing this summer to welcome the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and Olympic Games, there’s no better time to share a bottle of Merrydown cider with friends and mark the great village traditions that make Britain unique.

To commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and its 65th birthday, the deliciously refreshing Merrydown Cider is running a patriotic on-pack promotion across the nation, offering lucky winners the opportunity to win a whole host of prizes to celebrate our Great Village Traditions.

From street party kits and county show tickets to gardening equipment and cooler bags, this selection of prizes from Merrydown premium cider will ensure your summer celebrations are memorable ones.

With so many prizes to be won and a one in ten chance of winning, make sure you pick up a bottle of Merrydown Cider on your next shopping trip to try your luck! Choose from Merrydown’s Medium flavour, or crisp Dry cider in both sweet and savoury dishes for a unique summer twist on some traditional dishes.

So this Diamond Jubilee, get together with friends and raise a toast – try your chances at winning a prize and enjoy Merrydown Cider’s unique taste alongside some of your favourite social nibbles.

Merrydown Vintage Medium (750ml) is available from Tesco, ASDA and Morrissons with a RRP of £2.55 Merrydown Vintage Dry (750ml) is available from ASDA with a RRP of £2.55

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | PAGE 5

Ladies Time Out

Must Listen!

Fall to Grace I’m a bit of a Paloma Faith fan-girl, really. I saw her at Glastonbury and I’m off to see her again in Ipswich in July, her debut album, Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful, is one of the most-played albums in my collection and I’ve been waiting patiently for news of the release of the follow up for ages. Fall to grace is out at the end of May and is next on my to-listen list!

First single from Fall to Grace, Picking up the Pieces, is slightly poppier than most of the tracks on the first album, but is instantly recognisable and infused with her inimitable vocal style. Paloma has described the album as ‘cinematic’ in tone, saying, “Picking up the Pieces deals with the issues of being in a

relationship with someone who is still recovering from a previous relationship with another person. It is a song about self-doubt and insecurity.”

The album was produced by Nellee Hooper, who said their first meeting reminded him of the first time he met Bjork. “At lunch she sat and talked in such detail, as if every song was a short film, referencing everything from Chinese romantic cinema to Hip Hop.” It promises to be an interesting album - I can’t wait.

Fall to Grace is released on 28th May

Must read this...

Peta Bee - Get Fit For the Games

This book is well worth picking up if you’re feeling inspired by the lead-up to London 2012! It’s not for Olympians – but more for mere mortals who feel the need to improve their fitness levels and feel a bit better in themselves.

‘Get fit for for the Games’ is the official London 2012 book for anyone wishing to improve their levels of exercise and general well-being in the run up to the Games. Written by leading fitness journalist, Peta Bee, and featuring a forward by gold medallist Victoria Pendleton MBE, the 70 exercises in the book are illustrated with step-by-step photographs. The moves are all easy to follow, well-illustrated and the whole book is laid out almost like a personal challenge with Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. Price: £12.99

The last book I read I know, bringing you two books this month but a personal recommendation for you – ‘Me Before You’ by JoJo Moyes. This book

actually had me in tears, for reasons I won’t give away, but it’s a very, very long time since a book has had such an effect on me.

Louisa Clark is between jobs, after losing her job in a local café. She’s drafted into a few grotty jobs that don’t last, and an exasperated Benefits Officer sends her for an interview with a local woman who is recruiting for the job of carer for her son, Will, who has been quadriplegic since a road accident a few years

previously. At first the job seems to be Louisa’s worst nightmare, Will is cold and rude, and from a completely different background than her. Over time, though the pair develop a bond, despite Will keeping an emotional distance.

When Louisa overhears a devastating secret, she decides to take his fate into her own hands – but does she manage to make a difference?

It might sound like standard chick-lit but it’s an incredibly well-written novel, populated with complex characters and a believable plot that drags you in and actually makes you care.

Brilliant.

6 PAGE | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

Ladies Time Out

Jubilee Eyes I had to look at these twice when I first heard about them as I wasn’t actually sure what they were. Tiaras? Bracelets? Nope, these are probably the most unusual false lashes I’ve ever seen!

They’re described as “delicate, decorative jewellery for the eyes.” Each set of lashes can be customised to suit – you can opt for full lash to lower lash or even just add them to the corner of your eyes.

These Paperself eyelashes have been specially created to commemorate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, and if you want something to make you stand out in the crowd, you can pretty much guarantee nobody else will be wearing them at the garden party!

Regular lashes: £12.50 from www.paperself.com

Get Beautified at the Body Shop Everyone’s favourite sweet-smelling store, the Body Shop has brought us some more must-have products – the new beautifying oil range smells delicious and promises to banish dryness, restore softness and nourish with its special blend of nut oils.

Body Shop Beautifying Oils contain lots of goodness and are extra-kind to skin. Kakui nut oil, extracted from Hawaii’s Candlenut tree is packed with omegas 3, 6 and 9, and Sweet almond oil contains concentrated vitamin E levels.

Community Fair Trade Marula nut oil from Namibia moisturises and cares.

There are lots of delicious fragrances to choose from, including Coconut, Shea, Cocoa Butter, Chocomania, Sweet Lemon, Pink Grapefruit

and Satsuma, and an introductory price of just £6.75 each, it’s worth popping down to the Body Shop or going online and treating yourself to a couple… www.thebodyshop.com

SHELLAC NAILS

TM

BY LEANN

£10 for Finger nails £10 for Toe nails Shellac NailsTM the NEW revolutionary product changing the way women get their nails done.

Shellac NailsTM last up to 14 days without losing shine or shimmer. They are hard and do not scratch or smudge. When it comes time to take them off the nail, it is as easy as 1, 2, 3 and it does not damage the nail itself.

Contact Leann on: 07779 676570 www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | PAGE 7

Ladies Time Out

Lower your stress levels by raising your heart rate!

Why do people start exercising? Generally, the main objective is to control their weight and improve their physical fitness / condition, but there are also other health benefits including stress management:“Exercise can be a powerful method of relaxation, and it can help people deal effectively with the stress of daily life. In various studies, researchers have found that exercise can decrease anxiety and depression, improve an individual’s self-image, and buffer people from the effects of stress...” (Michael H.Sacks, M.D.: Exercise For Stress Control.)

Exercise decreases our “stress hormones” such as cortisol and causes an increase of endorphins which lifts the mood generally.

Physical activity is also great for distracting the mind from day to day problems, an ideal example being a bike ride in picturesque scenery. It can also allow the participant to release any frustration that may have built up.

High energy exercise such as boxing or weight training is ideal for this!

The social aspect of training, whether it be with friends, in a class or with a personal trainer is also important for stress relief. As well as being more fun to exercise with others, participants are likely to feel more motivated and inspired.

Finally, when overall health is improved by exercising, then there will be a reduced risk of illness and disease in the future, therefore eliminating undue increases in stress levels caused by sickness.

So, introduce some physical activity into your lifestyle for the health of your mind as well as your body!

Carly (Personal Trainer – Inspired by Carly) For more information on stress busting exercise programs, contact me via www.inspiredbycarly.co.uk

8 PAGE | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

Ladies Time Out

The Power of Pilates

By Alison McCullough, Head of Sport Operations at Bootcamp Pilates

Pilates has long been considered the distant sibling of Yoga; but it remains an area of exercise that is less understood.

Developed by Joseph Pilates in the 20th Century, Pilates has fast become a popular form of exercise, with increasing numbers of celebrities everywhere attending classes to keep fit and maintain a fantatic physique. But how does it compare to other forms of exercise, and what makes it so popular worldwide?

Whilst most people do participate in some form of exercise to lose weight or keep fit, Pilates has additional benefits. Not only does it offer all of the calorie burning and fitness benefits of other exercises, but it also improves your health.

Firstly, Pilates provides an all over body workout; which means that it does not over-work some areas of the body, while neglecting other areas.

Pilates focuses on training core strength, which means that it works the whole body to improve fitness levels.

Perhaps the main benefit of Pilates is an improved posture; Pilates is recommended by health professionals for this very reason. The strains of everyday life can cause bad posture; for instance sitting at a computer all day, or standing for long periods of time. Pilates works hard to re-align your spine into its natural S shape. The benefits of a good posture include increased pain relief throughout the body, improved circulation and increased concentration- as it allows your body to intake more oxygen.

All of the Pilates exercises also help to increase flexibility. Whilst this, again, helps to create good posture, it also means reduced muscle soreness after classes, which in turn reduces the risk of injury. Flexibility within the whole body means less stress is placed on the lower back, leading to reduced risk of lower back pain.

Joseph Pilates initially stated that Pilates was a “complete coordination of body, mind and

spirit”, this adds another health benefit to the growing list; increased body awareness. As exercises are completed, the individual becomes more aware of what their body is capable of. This then creates an increased awareness as to how the body and muscles work during exercise.

Since the initial concept of Pilates was developed, there are now a number of different variations of the exercises, as clients look for added health benefits, and another dimension to their exercise. For example, we run classes which involve an increased amount of cardiovascular exercise. Whilst, generally speaking, Pilates classes do not usually offer this benefit, the tempo of these classes helps to keep your heart rate up, resulting in a higher calorie burn. Cardiovascular classes also lead to a further increase in fitness levels by strengthening vital organs such as the heart and lungs.

To summarise, Pilates is a great way to improve size, shape, posture and tone. There are classes to suit people of all abilities, and it won’t take long for you to see the benefits!

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | PAGE 9

Ladies Time Out

Try This….

Hidden in the beautiful farming region of Las Alpujarras in the South of Spain, Kaliyoga welcomes guests to practice the benefits of yoga, holistic therapies and raw cuisines. With a range of retreats available depending on your needs, Kaliyoga is a versatile resort designed to benefit you through body and mind.

Kaliyoga are now ready to share some of the secrets of emotional and physical happiness with you.

“Detoxing is something that makes many people wince as we suggest changing a routine and removing the foods and drinks that we enjoy - but a simple detox can be practiced by fasting for just one day a week. The energy that your body puts in to digestion is instead used to flush out toxins, improving overall health and circulation, leaving you feeling refreshed.

It is important to note that fasting is not recommended for children, if you are pregnant or if you are on medication.

“Try introducing superfoods to your diet on a regular basis. Kaliyoga recommends bee pollen, barley grass and hemp to improve health and reduce the effects of ageing as well as spirulina for its high protein and maca to promote libido, stamina and energy!

“Raw foods are packed full of vitamins and nutrients, but let’s be honest, a raw carrot isn’t everyone’s idea of food heaven! Raw chocolate is a tasty alternative to your usual evening treat – and as it is a superfood not only is it incredibly healthy, it also won’t cause you to put on any weight.”

Even if you’re sceptical about holistic therapies, you can still book yourself in for a massage!

Kaliyoga recommends: • Foot Reading – Most of you will have heard about Reflexology – well, Foot Reading is a development of this by using the feet to read your history and using it as an opportunity to discuss your past, leaving you feeling physically and emotionally cleansed.

• Bio Magnetic Pair Therapy – Firstly, through using Kinesiology the therapist will find your personal weakness. Then using magnets, the therapist will balance your PH, removing any unwanted bacteria. If completing this while juice fasting, then the biomagnets will help to remove heavy metals from the pancreas, liver and kidneys.

10 PAGE | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

• Thai Yoga Massage – This is a unique and powerful massage therapy which combines acupressure, gentle stretching and applied yoga. The therapist uses hands, feet and elbows to apply pressure to important points along these lines, in combination with gentle stretching and applied hatha yoga. This restores balance and health - leaving you with a feeling of wellness.

By following these simple tips, not only will you feel great, you will also look fantastic! For more information about the Kaliyoga experience or any of these tips visit www.kaliyoga.com or email enquiry@kaliyoga.com

Ladies Time Out

Aromatherapy for Summer – Louise Green MIFPA

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of concentrated plant essences called essential oils. Essential Oils have a proven physiological and psychological effect on the body and mind and can be used to relieve stress and tension, enhance health and vitality and ease many common ailments and disorders.

A professional Aromatherapist will custom blend a selection of beneficial essential oils according to the needs of the client. The oils can be diluted in a base plant oil such as sunflower oil, and applied via massage.

Alternatively, essential oils can be inhaled, particularly for respiratory tract problems such as sinusitis, colds and coughs, and emotional issues such as anxiety or lack of motivation.

They can also be easily applied topically via baths, compresses, creams and ointments for skin disorders, headaches, muscular pain and joint stiffness, for example.

Essential oils are widely available and can be a very useful addition to your first aid kit.

Aromatherapy recipes for Summer Ailments Cooling Gel (50ml) for sunburn, bites and stings, headaches and hot, swollen feet.

Therapeutic Spritzer for Hay-fever (50ml) 50ml Chamomile Hydrolat (genuine floral water formed during essential oil production) Eucalyptus Radiata 8 drops Lavender 6 drops Lemon 6 drops German Chamomile 4 drops To help ease the symptoms of hay-fever and add essential oils to an atomiser bottle of chamomile water, shake well and spritz around yourself regularly, taking some deep breaths whilst you inhale.

Soothing Beeswax Barrier Balm for Hay-fever (30ml)

40ml Aloe Vera Gel 10ml Lavender Hydrolat (genuine floral water formed during essential oil production) Peppermint essential oil 8 drops Lavender essential oil 12 drops German Chamomile essential oil 4 drops

25ml sunflower oil 5g beeswax (local if possible) 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel 6 drops essential oils of either Manuka, Lavender or Frankincense or 2 drops of each (optional)

Carefully stir in the Lavender Water to the Aloe gel. Add essential oils directly from the bottle drop by drop. Stir well and put into a clean, sterilised jar and close with a lid. Keep in a cool place and use within six months. Apply little and often to the affected areas.

Gently melt the beeswax in a heat proof glass jug using the bain-marie method. Add oil, stir until all wax has melted and carefully remove from the heat and leave to cool. Add essential oils if using. Once the balm has started to solidify stir in the aloe gel and put into a small, clean pot with a lid. Insert a small amount of the balm into and around the nostrils to prevent pollen from being inhaled.

Natural health tips for hay-fever: Eat local honey, drink nettle tea, bathe sore itchy eyes with cold chamomile tea or pure chamomile floral water, take regular steams with essential oils.

Louise Green MIFPA Louise is a professional Holistic & Clinical Aromatherapist based in Kelvedon, Essex.

Louise offers therapeutic massage in the home, at events and in the workplace. She runs an apothecary service making natural remedies for physical ailments and emotional problems using organic essential oils and botanic ingredients such as oils, floral waters, gels, butters and waxes.

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | PAGE 11

Holistic relief for Headaches?

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Are you plagued with a ‘foggy head’ that more often than not develops into a headache or a migraine? Do you find yourself taking painkillers more than you’d like to?

You might actually be deficient in Magnesium.

Studies have shown that magnesium is deficient in people with migraine and other types of headache, and that treating the deficiency alleviates the headache. In fact, a study by Dr Alexander Mauskop, director of the New York Headache Center, found that in a group of 3,000 patients given 200mg of magnesium daily, 80 per cent had a reduction in their migraine symptoms.

If you want to get a grip on your bad heads, you could try a brand-new mineral spray product from BetterYou that’s been credited for helping Natalie Anginotti , who was plagued by chronic headaches for years.

There’s no drugs involved, and according to Natalie, “I have tried many remedies over the

years, from prescribed medication to herbal pills and foul tasting potions, so when my friend said that Magnesium Oil can provide natural relief from headaches, I was a little dubious.”

“Since using the spray I have rarely woken with a foggy head, which has resulted in less headaches developing. I haven’t noticed a major reduction in the frequency of my migraines, but the intensity of them has reduced and I haven’t spent the days in bed.

I have also managed to function much better throughout the migraine.”

For more information, or to buy online, visit www.betteryou.uk.com or call 0114 2202229.

Aromatherapy Oils for Summer Ailments – Louise Green MIFPA • Lavender (Lavandula angustofolia) This versatile oil is very soothing. It is useful for headaches, sunburn and sunstroke, insect bites, stings and rashes. It helps ease pain and irritation, prevents infection and promotes rapid healing.

Peppermint (Mentha x piperata) (Use Spearmint (Mentha spicata) for children and during pregnancy) Peppermint is very cooling. It will help relieve itching when used in very small amounts. It is an excellent decongestant and very helpful for sinusitis, headaches and hay-fever symptoms.

Peppermint and Spearmint are also excellent for hot, swollen feet and ankles.

•

• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata) Eucalyptus radiata is an essential oil made from narrow-leaved variety of the Eucalyptus family. It is particularly useful as a

12 PAGE | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

decongestant and immune stimulant for hay-fever, sinusitis and coughs and colds. It is also an effective insect repellent, can relieve stings and bites and treat blisters and cuts.

German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) German Chamomile oil is an important anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic essential oil. It helps calm the person, suppress histamine production and soothe irritated skin. It can also relieve itching and swelling and is an immune stimulant.

•

Lemon (Citrus limonum) Lemon is cooling, refreshing and astringent.

It is antiseptic, anti-depressant and immune stimulant. It is the best oil for nosebleeds. Add a few drops to a tissue and insert the tissue gently into the bleeding nostril. Lemon and Peppermint can be inhaled to help relieve symptoms of nausea and travel sickness.

•

Ladies Fashion

Accessorise, Darling If you’re going to go all out and dress up in a beautiful vintage-style dress, you can’t accessorise it with any old clutch. You need something sophisticated, like these Wilbur & Gussie have these 1920s style glitter Jubilee clutches!

Coco Jack Clutch – Price: £225 www.wilburandgussie.com

Accessorise, Darling For a real Best of British talent, Hannah Makes Things is an absolutely irresistible range of jewellery and accessories designed by Central Saint Martin’s graduate Hannah Nuttall. There’s a focus on all things, fun, kitsch, unusual and gloriously shiny, and if you venture onto the website we guarantee you’ll spend longer browsing it than you intended, and probably end up buying something.

The Vintage Sewing Machine pendant actually has a little working watch and moving wheel detail – comes on an 80cm chain.

Price: £12

www.hannahmakesthings.com

This necklace is a very unusual take on the humble pocket watch, with two fully working watches in one - so you can keep an eye on the time in more than one place!

Price: £16

The Glass Globe Watch Necklace has been worn by Fearne Cotton and featured in New, Reveal and Heat magazines Price: £28

Brilliant!

by Brilliant is gorgeous jewellery created from lab-made diamonds, which have all the sparkle, cut and clarity of real diamonds but without the price tag! To commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, by Brilliant have created a stunning array of sparkling tiaras. All you need is a throne…and a corgi. www.byBrilliant.com

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | PAGE 13

Ladies Fashion

1

2

What’s in a name?

Collaborations between high-end designers and high-street brands aren’t a new concept, with high fashion retailers like H&M working with swanky designer labels like Donatella Versace and creating barely-justified, headline creating queues.

Some of the collaborations on the high street are sold out almost straight away and create a buzz that means everyone ends up wearing the same one or two pieces that featured in Grazia. But there are some fabulous designer collabs that managed to not let the big name

3 overshadow the actual fashion, and work with the season’s hottest trends to create good quality pieces that don’t scream ‘I’m wearing this because I saw it in The Daily Mail!’

Colour blocking has been the leader of the pack when it comes to fashion trends for a while now, seasons now, and SS12 hasn’t escaped its bright and bold influence. This colour block dress, the lovechild of partnership between Debenhams and London label Preen is a sure-fire hit.

One of the more low-key collaborations, yet with perhaps more longevity and less need for screaming PR is Preen’s EDITION which doesn’t

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go for gimmicks, but instead plays to Preen’s strength: well-cut pieces that make women feel fantastic. Coupled with the reliability and value-for-money prices Debenhams offer you could buy the whole collection and not regret a piece of it.

When it comes to paying a premium price for what is, essentially, a high-street manufactured piece, you need something that you’re actually going to wear. This Vanessa Bruno for

Ladies Fashion

5

4 La Redoute shirtdress has it all - a flattering fit and the perfect mix of laid-back cool and sexy, due to the slouchy shape and sheer chiffon fabric. Wedges, lipstick and a leather jacket would transform it from a daytime dress to a vamped-up party outfit with no effort at all.

People Tree, the fair trade fashion pioneer, has teamed up with both Zakee Shariff and Orla Kiely this season. Both offerings are characterised by each designers’ signature prints. Zakee Shariff’s designs feature delicate, illustrative prints with a smattering of paisley whilst Orla Kiely’s features bolder designs.

6 Celebrity collaborations are often even more anticipated than the high-end designers (who could forget Kate Moss for Top shop?) Geri Halliwell might not be thought of as a fashion icon (let’s not go there with Union Jack dresses) but her Next collection is surprisingly well thought-out: structured pieces in solid colours and girlie floral print produce a mix of grown-up chic and fun.

1 Orla Kiely For People Tree. Skirt.

Because some of the collections are limited edition, our advice is to check in advance if you spot a designer piece you like the look of, just to make sure you don’t miss out.

5 Fearne Cotton @very.co.uk. Cotton pleated long skirt, £35.

2 Geri By Next. Colour-block dress, £38.

3 Zakee Shariff For People Tree. Paisley mini dress, £45.

4 Principles By Ben De Lisi For Debenhams.

Pleat dress, £60.

6 Debenhams Preen/Edition. Colour-block printed dress, £65.

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | PAGE 15

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Anthony Vacarello For La Redoute. Blouse, £69, skirt, £69.

La Redoute. Vanessa Bruno shirt dress, ÂŁ89.

Ladies Fashion

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | PAGE 17

Ladies Fashion

A Good Vintage Everyone’s jumping on the Royal Jubilee bandwagon right now and anything inspired by Union Jacks and obvious nods to British culture is hot. All the flags and British bulldogs on T-shirts are fun and fabulous of course, but the problem with investing in gimmicky fashion is that it will soon date, so here at Inspired we’ve taken another look at what the Jubilee represents – British quality, innovation and creativity, and mixed it up with a bit of old-fashioned glamour.

We’ve sniffed out some of the best retroinspired fashion and glamorous accessories… so you can celebrate what’s great about Britain and enjoy it for years to come…

Revival Retro is a fabulous fashion boutique on fashion’s favourite Carnaby Street in London.

The shop specialises in beautifully designed vintage reproduction clothing that evokes the golden eras of the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s.

Revival Retro has a closet brimming with timeless classics that will keep you looking the best of British for summer 2012, including the Artist’s Dress, ‘that’ dress from the film of the same name. The original was worn by actress Bérénice Bejo, in several scenes, and this version has been a best-seller, with women wanting to dress like a Hollywood starlet!

Price: £225 - www.revival-retro.com

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Inspired A4 (Fashion)_Layout 1 24/05/2012 12:57 Page 1

This Summer’s

Mix & match

Alexon jacket £80

Kaliko long dress £99

Alexon opium dress £99

CC jacket £159

Pomodoro cardigan £40

Planet lace t-shirt £39

Kaliko fascinator £50

Kaliko fascinator £35 Kaliko clutch bag £45 Jane Shilton shoes £99

220 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford Tel: 01245 490101

Alexon scarf £30

Socialise with us

www.chelmsfordstar.coop

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | PAGE 19

Gentleman’s Den

View Quest Union Jack Retro Radio

Only British TV allowed…

Watch the Diamond Jubilee celebrations on TV in jingoistic style…!

The ‘Royal Remote’ from Sky is emblazoned with the Union Jack and will work with all Sky+HD set top boxes.

Manufactured by OneForAll, this patriotic remote control costs £29.99.

Available at Argos, Sainsbury’s and Asda.

To celebrate this year’s events ViewQuest have launched this funky Union Jack version of its Retro radio. This radio offers something of a funky design piece as well as a fully functional DAB/FM radio. What’s more it’s compatible with the iPhone and latest iPods. Perfect for taking out in the garden, along to festivals or anywhere you want to combine a bit of style with great sound.

View Quest is a brilliant place to go if you’re trying to find gadgets with a difference – the website features a range of gadgets and hi-fi equipment that has been dreamt up on planes, trains and automobiles and a website full of amazing content, contributed or sourced by talented individuals that are ‘on it’ and doing what they love or are passionate about. Well worth a nose around, we think!

Price: 129.99 www.viewquest.co.uk

Excess Baggage Alert If you’re off on holiday soon, and especially if you’re travelling with well-known budget airlines, you need to know how heavy your luggage is!

The Ultimo Luggage Scale weighs your luggage before check in.

Accurate to 100g, the handheld luggage scale can cope with bags that weigh up to 50kg with a handle that’s ergonomically designed. Most luggage scales will beep quietly or display a tiny icon in the corner of the screen, but the Ultimo luggage scale uses the Red Alert feature to tell you when it’s locked the weight of your bag, making it much more convenient for busy airports when you’re in a hurry!

The luggage scale’s blue backlit screen displays weight in both lbs and kgs, and it’s small enough to fit in your pocket. Never pay excess baggage fees again!

20 PAGE | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

A Good Egg What better way to start a new day than with a perfectly cooked boiled egg? But boiling an egg can be an awkward task, not to mention the time taken boiling the water, as well as having to watch the egg timer so you can whip it out at just the right time, only to find it’s still hard boiled.

No more with the Boiley Egg Microwave Egg Cooker. Simply pierce your egg with the tool provided, fill the base of the Boiley Egg up to the indicator line, insert your egg, attach the lid, and pop in the microwave. All it takes is 3-5 minutes, depending upon microwave wattage, and how you like your egg cooked, and you’ll get a perfectly boiled egg every time!

Price: £8.95 www.gadgets.co.uk

Epic Idea In life there are good times and there are bad times. There are successes and there are defeats. There’s Stephen Fry and then there’s Gordon Brown. The universe is balanced by this yin-yang relationship and it’s helpful to be able to recognise small achievements in life or to point out when someone has messed up big time.

That’s why these handy Epic Win and Epic Fail stamps exist. With a rubber stamp shape and an inbuilt ink pad, they can be used in place of a ‘good work’ and ‘try again’ stamp for the coolest of teachers or even straight talking bosses.

Price £8.95 www.gadgets.co.uk

Gentleman’s Den

Men can do vintage too!

It’s not easy to find good quality vintage-style clothes and footwear if you’re a man, as the vintage trend seems to cater more to the girls.

The balance has been redressed in style with the fabulous Retro Revival, a boutique on ultra-fashionable Carnaby Street with a dedication to making men look just as sharp

as their female counterparts in vintage-styled outfits that will make any man about town stand out in a sea of unoriginality and chain store sameness.

You might pay a bit more for it than you would M&S but this stuff is built to last.

Shim Sham Sailor Top So cool, so cute. This is a handsome sailor suit with a hand embroidered authentic collar and a waisted cut which gives a flattering less bulky appearance. This vintage style men’s sailor top looks much like those featured in the ‘Shanghai Lil’ scene in the 1933 movie ‘Footlight Parade’.

New Shoes These Sperry Boating shoes are perfect for summer day trips and general messing about. They come in four different variations and are available from Office.co.uk, Asos.com and Coggles. com and cost £60 except the leather Spinnaker version which will set you back £100.

Converse have collaborated with Stüssy and come up with a hybrid collection of two born and bred American brands inspired by 1970’s hiking boots and vintage military jackets. The Converse x Stüssy collection uses premium materials, including boot leather and washed cotton ripstop, with an updated colour palette of military inspired colours.

The collection is available at FootPatrol, Size?

Carnaby St, Hanon, End Clothing, Crooked Tongues, Hideout and Selfridges.

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | PAGE 21

Gentlemen’s Den

The Swingin’ Savoy Men’s Waistcoat This vintage waistcoat has been reproduced in an authentic style with a classic waisted cut, two welt pockets and shoulder yokes in the same almond brown fabric.

Price £169

Swingin’ Savoy Trouser An elegant 1940s style men’s trouser. This trouser features pleats, extra wide leg, turn ups and a high waistband with four wide belt loops.

Price: £175

Wingtip Dance Shoes Wingtips were considered very stylish in the thirties and forties and have seen a revival in recent years. The ‘spat style’ variant of the Wingtip Spectator shoe is a white and brown two tone.

Price £75 www.revival-retro.com

22 PAGE | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

Men can do vintage too!

Gentleman’s Den

Cincinnati Kid Waistcoat and Trousers Dress sharp and play it cool in this Cincinnati Kid two-piece suit. The sophisticated blue tweed college vest features shoulder yokes and two welt pockets with a seven-button facing. The high quality blend wool and a delicate taffeta lining provide for a distinctive look and perfect comfort.

The figure hugging cut is great for an optimal fitting and enough room to knock out an ace out your sleeve.

The matching blue tweed pants have extra-wide legs, turn-ups and taffeta interior lining. The high waistband with four wide belt loops and two buttons provides for a classic look, and two sideward transverse pockets and one welt pocket at the back give you just enough room to stash your cash.

Price: ÂŁ175

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | PAGE 23

Gentlemen’s Den

‘It’s mind over platter’ It’s extremely hard for me to talk about food without going into massive detail. But you’d get bored and I wouldn’t be asked to write again…....so in both our interests, I will try and keep this short and sweet.

I’d like to clear up some misconceptions about fad diets. We have all heard about Atkins, Cambridge, Cabbage Soup, South Beach, and the ‘holding your breath under water while giving a harp seal a cuddle’ diet (OK that last one I made up but it may as well be true!).

My time in this industry has seen many a ‘miracle diet’ come and go. If we understood how the body worked we’d know that cutting out carbohydrates, for example, is disastrous, yet people do it every single day. The human brain’s only source of energy is carbohydrate. If you take that away it’s like letting your car run out of oil - ask a mechanic what happens to a car when you do that!

Everyone is looking for the quickest way to lose weight, the amazing diet which is going to make us look like Jessica Alba or Ryan Reynolds but the solution is staring us in the face. If someone’s been eating unhealthily for a number of years and steadily gained two stones in body fat, why do they believe that they can lose a stone in two weeks and keep it off? It’s insane!

Instead of searching for a short term solution, or even a long term solution, I have THE solution, Eating correctly and regular exercise is the only safe way to shed those pounds and with the correct knowledge about how your body works, losing weight and getting in shape is more fun.

To start with I have a few simple food rules. If you have any questions, please get in touch!

Remember to ask your GP’s advice before starting any diet or fitness programme.

24 PAGE | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

1. For women, no more than 10grms of saturated fat per day and for men, no more than 15. You can calculate this by looking at the nutrition grid on the packet.

2. Calories are just a measurement of energy and by keeping your saturated fat lower you will naturally see your calorie count decrease but aim for 1500 for women, 2000 for men.

3. Swap all your whites for browns - white bread to brown bread etc.

4. Eating smaller portions every 3-4 hours keeps your body out of its ‘emergency zones’ when the body holds body fat back as a form of protection.

5. 20-30 minutes of exercise a day….even if it’s a brisk walk!

Just stick to this for now - the next steps include levelling your blood sugar and supplementing your diet with good fats.

Look forward to catching up soon.

Stuart Holroyd Stuart Holroyd is the owner of the Home Fitness Group, which is a network of Personal Trainers, Therapists and Martial Arts Instructors who are dedicated to keeping home training affordable for everyone. Stuart has been working in the fitness industry for over 17 years now and as well as being a Personal Trainer and Nutritionist he has trained extensively in Boxing and Martial Arts. As well as boxing for almost 25 years he also hold black belts in Muay Thai, Kickboxing and Jun Fan MMA. email: stuartholroyd@hotmail.co.uk http://facebook.com/stuartjholroyd

YK

Cinema

What to look out for at the ODEON this month...

Ill Manors

Red Tails

A Fantastic Fear Of Everything

* Genre: Thriller * UK Release Date: 6/6/2012 * Directed by: Ben Drew

* Genre: Drama * UK Release Date: 6/6/2012 * Directed by: Anthony Hemingway

* Genre: Comedy * UK Release Date: 8/6/2012 * Directed by: Crispian Mills, Chris Hopewell

Who’s in it? Riz Ahmed, Natalie Press, Mem Ferda

Who’s in it? Cuba Gooding Jr., Gerald McRaney, David Oyelowo

Who’s in it? Simon Pegg, Paul Freeman, Clare Higgins

What’s the plot? Award-winning rapper Plan B (aka Ben Drew) makes his directorial debut with ‘Ill Manors’, an urban musical set on the streets of East London.

What’s the plot? Based on the true story of the first all African American aerial combat unit, Anthony Hemingway’s ‘Red Tails’ follows a group of WWII aviators known as the Tuskegee Airmen who triumph over endemic racism within the US forces - as well as their fascist foe.

What’s the plot? In comedy ‘A Fantastic Fear of Everything’ Simon Pegg plays Jack, a crime novelist suffering from severe paranoia brought on by his obsessive research into Victorian serial killers.

The story follows a disparate bunch of local characters whose lives intertwine on mean streets where surviving each day is a struggle in itself.

Set to a soundtrack from Plan B and other urban artists, ‘Ill Manors’ paints a gritty picture of an East London that’s worlds apart from Canary Wharf and the Olympic Stadium.

After being kept away from the fighting by bigoted top brass, their squadron is sent into action. ‘Red Tails’ tells the tale of what they do next to enter Air Force folklore and pave the way for full integration in the US armed forces.

When one of his scripts looks set to be made into a Hollywood movie, it seems all his troubles are over. But they may only just have started as his shot at the big time misfires hilariously.

Written and directed by Crispian Mills of Kula Shaker fame, ‘A Fantastic Fear of Everything’ also stars Paul Freeman and Clare Higgins.

Abraham Lincoln - Vampire Hunter 3D

Think Like a Man

* Genre: Fantasy, Horror * UK Release Date: 20/6/2012 * Directed by: Timur Bekmambetov

* Genre: Comedy * UK Release Date: 22/6/2012 * Directed by: Tim Story

Who’s in it? Benjamin Walker, Rufus Sewell, Dominic Cooper

Who’s in it? Chris Brown, Gabrielle Union, Kevin Hart

What’s the plot? Fantasy horror ‘Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter’, from king of the macabre Tim Burton, uncovers Abraham Lincoln’s biggest secret. Following the premise that the most revered President in the history of the USA was in fact on a mission to rid the world of the undead, the film mixes historical fact and vampire lore to explain the remarkable events in the president’s life.

What’s the plot? Based on comedian Steve Harvey’s best-selling guide to men, comedy ‘Think Like a Man’ follows four men who find their romantic plans turn complicated when the women in their sights start using the book’s insider info against them.

Based on the best-selling novel by Seth Grahame-Smith, ‘Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter’ stars Benjamin Walker (The War Boys) and Rufus Sewell (The Illusionist).

Realising that a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing, they decide to play along whilst using Harvey’s advice to make events go their way.

‘Think Like a Man’ stars Chris Brown (Takers) alongside Gabrielle Union (Meet Dave) and Kevin Hart (Fool’s Gold).

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | PAGE 25

Holistic health tips

Gentlemen’s Fashion

from GP Dr Brian McDonogh

If you’ve been diagnosed with health problems like high blood pressure or cholesterol, your first port of call for help is probably the doctor or the chemist – but it might not be your only option!

We asked GP Brian McDonagh about easy ways to help yourself without drugs.

Water Nutraceuticals has just launched an innovative new product, ‘help: cholesterol’ is a natural orange flavoured ready-to-eat gel supplement in a convenient stick pack. Each 20g serving contains 0.8g of plant sterols to help control cholesterol levels.

Lower your Cholesterol

Lower your blood pressure

Other than taking statin drugs, cholesterol levels can be reduced by exercise, a balanced diet, functional foods and supplements.

40% of UK adults currently suffer from high blood pressure, so you’re definitely not alone.

Hypertension is a very common complaint, especially over the age of 50. It’s been linked to a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, so it’s important to monitor blood pressure and get your blood pressure levels to an acceptable level, around 120 / 80 mmHg.

All exercise is a step in the right direction, but most studies show aerobic exercise like Nordic walking, cycling and running appear to benefit cholesterol most, by lowering LDL by 5 to 10% and raising HDL cholesterol by 3 to 6%.

People often underestimate how much exercise they should be doing; the official guideline is to perform at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise at least five times a week. Just walking to the train station won’t make much difference. Look for activities you enjoy that raise your heart rate to a moderate intensity level – a game of tennis or a fitness class - and make them part of your weekly routine.

You can also consider eating functional foods and taking natural supplements with cholesterol lowering benefits. Products that contain phytosterols or plant sterols are particularly good at trapping cholesterol within the intestines, reducing its absorption. Works with

There are natural ways of lowering your blood pressure, which tend to require effort and commitment, which is where some people struggle. Look at your current diet – honestly. If it contains lots of caffeine, alcohol, salt, meat, creamy sauces, sweets, pastries and other treats, then it’s time for an overhaul. Introduce oily fish, potassium rich foods like bananas, nuts, seeds, celery and garlic. Don’t focus on the things you can’t eat, instead explore new recipes including vegetables or fruits, to help keep your blood pressure in check.

There are plenty of natural supplements that have a blood pressure lowering effect, but these should always be taken in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle and a regular exercise routine. help: blood pressure from Works with Water

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Nutraceuticals contains dairy peptides (milk protein) which occur naturally in dairy foods.

Safe for lactose intolerant people, scientific studies show that consuming 0.75g of hydrolysed milk protein daily can actively help to maintain healthy blood pressure. As 39% of people who suffer from high blood pressure are deficient in Coenzyme-Q10, it is also beneficial to take 100 – 200mg a day of CoQ10, unless you are taking Warfarin. Other supplements that can help reduce your blood pressure naturally include Omega-3 Fish Oil (take 3000mg daily), Magnesium Citrate, Garlic, Taurine and Hawthorn. www.workswithwater.co.uk

About Dr McDonogh: Dr McDonogh (age 57) has a Master’s Degree in Nutritional Medicine (University Surrey 2001).

He runs the private (non-NHS) Eagle Clinic (www.eagleclinic.com) in Sussex, working in partnership with the patient to identify, prevent and treat the underlying causes of illness, instead of merely suppressing the symptoms of disease with drugs. He first qualified as a GP in South Africa in 1982, but now devotes all of his time to helping the chronically ill through natural medicines.

Get Dad Groomed

Gentleman’s Fashion

Sassoon for Men ….

Have you noticed a few manky-looking toiletries around the bathroom recently? Could your dad do with a bit of a grooming overhaul?

With father’s day coming up, it’s the perfect time to slip a few cheeky nice-smelling goodies his way. That way he won’t be able to complain that he doesn’t like spending money on himself, and he’ll still look suave and sophisticated – and smell good, too!

Palmer’s has brought out a new Men’s Body and Face lotion that gives dads everywhere a no nonsense masculine alternative to the original chocolate-scented version which wasn’t really all that manly! The Body and Face Lotion is ideal for men who want to keep their grooming regime to a minimum but still get great, long lasting results! Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Men’s Body & Face Lotion will leave skin feeling smooth and fresh all day long.

Available in 250ml and 400ml pump.

RRP £3.97 / 250ml or £5.27 / 400ml

This handy TITAN SERIES Rechargeable Clipper is perfect for a professional style trim and also the perfect solution for dads on the go, as it has 60 minutes usage time from a full charge.

It has lasting corrosion resistant stainless steel blades and an eco-friendly mains adaptor.

Choose between six different comb attachments, from 3mm to 18mm, plus a thinning comb for reducing hair thickness. In the pack you also get blade lubricant oil, a cleaning brush and a charging stand. Get yours from rom Asda, Amazon.co.uk and Currys. RRP £19.99

REF for Men Simple, fuss-free, high-quality hair care from Sweden – the home of smart, simple design – and gorgeous hair! The ‘IKEA of hair care’; REF is a new range of professional hair care from Sweden hitting salon shelves across the UK this summer. Choose from a comprehensive collection of essentials for every type of hair, with a number reference system that means you can’t go wrong.

Scottish Fine Soaps ‘Soap In a Tin’ range For a more traditional Father’s Day gift, the Scottish Fine Soaps blend traditional Scottish fragrances with skin enhancing ingredients like Oatmeal and Seaweed and take the best of Scotland to create an inspiring collection of soaps which don’t just smell good but are just wonderful to use.

Available from stockists nationwide, www.scottishfinesoaps.com

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | PAGE 27

Junior

Your Carriage Awaits!

Graffiti-wear We just couldn’t resist these bright, summery kids’ tees from Milk & Cereal. Milk & Cereal is a Bristol-based kid’s clothing company, who work with renowned UK graffiti artists like Cheo, Paris, Feek and Inkie, and also create their own simple, original and wonderfully cute designs.

The result is cool, inexpensive clothing that offers something a little different from your average children’s wear range.

All of their materials are sourced from organic and Fair Trade cotton, so that it is healthier for your child’s skin and better for the environment.

What’s more, everything’s hand printed.

Organic cotton hand printed Owl and Shark tee, available in ages 1 - 4 years.

Price: £12.99 www.milkandcereal.co.uk

Going Out to Play!

Kids love to run around and create havoc, and if the weather actually improves enough for them to want to get outside in the garden, they’ll need something to do while they’re there.

Bring on a new selection of garden games and toys that will keep them out of mischief – or maybe in the wrong hands even get them INTO mischief…

They’ve been around for 35 years in the US but ‘Soccer Boppers’ have only just made their way over the pond. These inflatable boxing pillows are great for the little angels to take out their pent-up energy on, if you’re fed up with them scrapping with each other! Set to become a must-have for summer 2012, there’s also a Soccer Bopper Power Bag that can be used as part of a boxing game or even as part of a game of tag.

Boomas are a funky updated version of the old boomerang - and although they do exactly the same as the Aussie original version, they do it in style! Tri-blade boomerangs are safe for all the family to fling about as much as they like, and of course they always come back…

Kids love to make a noise, and with the Blast the Big Bang Rocket they get to make lots of it.

All you have to do is load paper into the tip of the rocket, launch it into the air and wait for the inevitable bang as it plummets out of the sky to the ground. Just don’t launch it while Granddad is asleep in his deckchair...

What better way for kids to arrive at the street party than in their very own patriotic GB Cozy Coupe from Little Tikes? Sure to be the coolest set of wheels spotted at street parties up and down the country, the GB Cozy Coupe is finished in red, white and blue and even sports the striking Union Jack on its roof.

Just like the well-known Cozy Coupe from Little Tikes, the patriotic GB Coupe features a removable platform and parent grab handle for toddler’s safety. There’s also storage in the rear, opening and closing door, 360º front wheels for better movability, ‘ignition switch’, an useable gas cap and durable tyres for plenty of ‘motoring’ role play fun. You can be sure that this kid-powered car is going to be a street party favourite! www.littletikes.co.uk

Socker Boppers PowerBag = RRP £14.99 Available from ToysRUS, Argos, Hamleys, John Lewis department stores, The Entertainer chain of toy stores and all good High Street toy retailers.

Socker Boppers = RRP £9.99 each 28 PAGE | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

Wicked Outdoor Boomerangs = RRP £7.99

Big Bang Rocket = RRP £12.99

Junior

Britain’s Next Big Thing If you’ve been watching the BBC2 TV show ‘Britain’s Next big Thing’ you will have already seen these – baby slings that promote posture, bonding and breastfeeding. Lifft slings were chosen by Theo Paphitis from thousands of applications and eventually hailed as a ‘benchmark Boots product.’

The slings are now available on the high street and online at Boots.com The Lifft Sling came about when its creator realised there was a need for a baby sling which was comfortable easy to use, but looked good at the same time. She came up with the innovative Lifft Baby Sling, and the rest is history. It has its very own user guide and even a selection of clip on toys and accessories, is fully, adjustable and comes in a range of colours and designs to suit just about any new arrival.

Kids Talk

With patriotism coming out of our ears in 2012 thanks to the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics, Micro Scooters UK were keen to find out what Britain’s under 5s thought about the celebrations before launching its range of Union Jack Scooters.

Over 750 children aged five or under throughout the UK took part in the multiple choice survey.

Although most children recognize the Queen herself, they were a little more vague regarding other members of the Royal Family. Some of the questions children were asked included:

Who is the Queen married to?

• Union Jack 39% • Prince Philip 37% • Prince Charles 24% • Her husband 14%

Who is Prince Edward?

• A potato 47% • The Queen’s son 21%

Slings Price £49.99 from www.lifftslings.com or www.boots.com

• A brand of salmon 20% • A pub 12%

What does the Queen do?

• Help run the country 63% • Travel & meet people 16% • Clean Buckingham Palace 12% • Have parties 9%

Why is our flag a red white and blue design?

• Queen’s favourite colours 64% • America got first choice for the nicest flag 15% • They look nice together 6% • Combined flags of England, Wales and Scotland 5%

Why is everyone celebrating the Jubilee?

• Because the Queen is a diamond 35% • Because the Queen has reigned 60 years 35% • Because of the Olympics 22% • Because people like street parties 8%

www.micro-scooters.co.uk also took on board children’s views on colour ways for their new range of Union Jack scooters. Young children didn’t want scooters featuring the British flag – instead they wanted blocks of red, white and blue teamed with black.

How long has the Queen been on the throne?

• 60 years 54% • 160 years 34% • What’s a throne 10% • 6 months 2%

However, they gave the thumbs up to a range of cool Britannia-themed accessories including Union Jack bottle holders and bags. www.micro-scooters.co.uk www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | PAGE 29

Home style

Kitchen Conundrums

Choosing the right flooring for your kitchen can be tricky. Depending on the size and feel of your room, different types of flooring will give you a wow factor while being practical and easy-to-clean for those little kitchen spills.

Vinyl (PVC) Vinyl is still popular, as it’s hard-wearing, comfortable to walk on and cheaper than some other types of floor. Modern vinyl is longer-lasting than its old-fashioned relative and it’s easy to clean too, with a damp mop getting rid of most spillages. It can seem a little dated though…

Tile

Wood

A great long-lasting choice for a kitchen floor, water resistant and easy to clean. All you need to keep your stone floor looking tip top is diluted all-purpose cleaner and hot water. The downside is that it’s hard. This means that it’s not so comfy to walk on and if you drop something breakable it’s more likely to smash into little pieces than on a softer covering. Tiles also get slippery when wet – a real negative for around a kitchen sink.

Wooden floors look lovely and don’t take much looking after - just sweep and vacuum them often. Wooden floors give warmth to a kitchen and last for a long time if properly installed and taken care of. Some wooden floors do need a little bit more TLC than others, so if you’re tempted by wood finish, make sure to get good advice, and check that the floor is suitable as some finishes contract in damp and humid conditions, not ideal for a kitchen!

Stone

Laminate

Warmer than tiles, beautiful to look at and also relatively easy to look after, stone is another popular choice. Whether it is granite, soapstone, slate or limestone, stone flooring is low-maintenance and hard-wearing but needs to be prepped properly, sealed and only cleaned with pH-neutral floor cleaners.

Laminate is an extremely popular choice because it’s cheaper than wood, looks great and is easy to install. It’s water-resistant and doesn’t need much maintenance, but can get dented if it’s treated roughly. It does feel comfortable and warm underfoot though, and suits most kitchens.

For more advice on the perfect kitchen floor for you, speak to the experts at Chelmsford based Country Flooring.

Country Flooring 30 PAGE | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

01245 250 074 www.countryflooring.co.uk

Kitchen Commemorations Kit your kitchen out with some pretty, and pretty inexpensive royal-themed kitchenware, just because it looks good!

Finish it all off with a patriotic Union Jack Apron, perfect for street party preparations or sizzling summer barbecues.

Price - £2.49

Jubilee and Union Jack mugs give your brew an ‘official’ twist.

Price – 79p

This limited edition Exquisite Diamond Jubilee Fine Bone China

Two Tier Cake Stand is just perfect for street parties, garden

Cup is exclusive to Home Bargains and features the official design from Katherine Dewar - winner of Blue Peter’s Diamond Jubilee Design Competition.

Price – 99p

get-togethers or a centre piece in the kitchen. Price £3.99 A matching Jubilee Cake Tin to keep your cakes fresh.

Price £1.49

All available from Home Bargains stores and online at www.homebargains.co.uk

Jubilee Pretty

The china mug design is priced at £14 and can be ordered online from www.johnlewis.com

Gallery Thea has launched some absolutely gorgeous and totally on-trend Jubilee themed ready-printed designs to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The new designs complement the already fabulous range of hand-painted designs.

The cotton tea towel is £12.

They are available mail order from www.gallerythea.co.uk as well as from selected stores of the John Lewis Partnership (Oxford Street, London, Southampton, Cheadle and Cambridge).

The plate costs £65.

For a completely unique, one-off design, commission designer Thea Cutting to hand-paint a commemorative ceramic piece with your choice of design and text. www.gallerythea.co.uk

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | PAGE 31

Home style

See your kitchen being born!

Good news for anyone with a love of all things Italian and a need for a new kitchen – if you combine the two and opt to buy your new kitchen from SPAZIO Cucine you’ll also be offered a bellissimo bonus - the chance to fly to Milan to see your very own kitchen being made in the factory, followed by a tour of the area and a scrumptious Italiano lunch at one of many beautiful locations in and around Milan … including Lake Como, the town of Bellagio and Bergamo Alto.

This fantastic added extra is only available from SPAZIO Design in Chelmsford, and it’s just one of the bonuses you get if you go to the Italian

specialists for your kitchen design. The fabulous SPAZIO Cucine will look amazing in just about any home, it’s a brand-new range of top quality contemporary Italian kitchens which blends several styles, colours and wood finishes, which means you get to mix and match to create the kitchen of your dreams.

Complementing the Italian furniture are top brands like Sub-Zero, Wolf, Barrazza, Falmec, Miele and Siemens, with sinks and taps from Blanco and Kohler. Worktop choices include Corian, Caesarstone, Silestone and natural granites. www.spaziodesign.co.uk

32 PAGE | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

Top left, “Silver” laminate kitchen in red, over 200 colour choices; Top right, “Hollywood” handleless high gloss lacquered in Ebony finish; Bottom left, “New Alux” laminate kitchen in Noce Mozart finish with real aluminium edges; Bottom right, “Brix” high gloss laminate in pebble blue.

SPA ZIO DESIGN

New Limited Edition Diamond Jubilee Stamp Rug

SPA ZIO DESIGN KITCHENS BEDROOMS LIVING Inspirational design, quality products, seamless installation management.

MEET THE SPECIALIST DESIGN TEAM

Kevin Miles Managing Director

Samantha Mophew BA (Hons),

Senior Interior Designer

Simon Pinner MBA FCMI,

Senior Design Consultant

Stuart Mason, Design Consultant & CAD technician

Our staff are always happy to help with any enquiries you may have.

Make a ruling majestic statement in the home this summer and celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee with patriotic interior style with the newly launched limited edition Diamond Jubilee Stamp Rug from Rug Maker. To mark the 60th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II, Rug Maker has officially been granted an exclusive license by Royal Mail to manufacture and extend their exquisitely stylish stamp rug range allowing designs to fully capture the richness of the British Royal Stamp.

Embossed with the Queen’s head with an ivory ‘Diamond Jubilee’ inscription on a cool teal background, the collection features beautifully scalloped edges that mimic the perforations on the Machin series of the UK postage stamps. Skillfully handmade from 100% New Zealand, each rug a captures a luxurious 3D effect and defined contours for a striking finish.

Used as a conventional rug or hung from the wall for a bold impact, this iconic collection blends modern style with timeless appeal to create a quirky heirloom that oozes true British heritage.

T he collection comprises of 6 standard stamp proportioned sizes with other custom sizes available. Prices start from £765 based on 1.20 metre x 1.00 metre. The image of Her Majesty The Queen is based on the Machin series of UK postage stamps. The Diamond Jubilee rug is a limited edition with only 600 available.

For more information or to view the collection, please visit www.spaziodesign.co.uk Tel: 01245 299331

VISIT THE SHOWROOM

www.spaziodesign.co.uk T: 01245 299 331 info@spaziodesign.co.uk 40 New Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1PH www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | PAGE 33

Home style

Great British Living We apologise if there’s been a proliferation of Union Jack flags and all things British in this issue. The trouble is there are so many fantastic ideas and products commemorating the most patriotic year since …well, ever, that we can’t help but get excited with some of the innovative uses of Brit iconography.

A slightly less in-your-face Union Jack print makes this beautiful chest of drawers a real talking point in any room. Made of cherry wood, it boasts two handy large drawers and each one has its very own serial number for authenticity which makes it a real heirloom and reminder of the Jubilee year.

Price: £3875 www.sweetpeaandwillow.com

Give a living room some long-lasting Brit-style with these bespoke Union Jack themed curtains, thoughtfully designed by Moghul Interiors. Moghul Interiors is a British family business with over 50 years’ experience, who offer a complete curtain, blind and soft furnishings service - from award winning own brand fabrics, through to home consultations, interior design advice and installation.

Price £708 - www.moghulinteriors.com

34 PAGE | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

You can get a Union Jack cushion in just about any shop on the high street at the moment, but this one, handmade in the UK by Victoria Golden, is extra special. With iconic images of Queen Elizabeth and her family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on the day of her coronation in 1953, this beautiful handmade, vintage-inspired, Jubilee cushion comes in a linen/cotton fabric and a feather filled inner pad.

Price: £29.95 - www.thehandmadegiftco.com

Greet your guests with a bit of patriotic cheer by way of a Union Jack doormat. The mats are made from high quality PVC backed coir matting and are already proving incredibly popular with people who want to add a bit of cheer to their home without splashing out too much!

Price: £12.50 - www.makeanentrance.com

Brabantia bin, for starters. Yes, we know that all they’ve done is add a flag to a bin, but how cool would it look in a dull kitchen? Forget the chintz, the Cath Kitson prints or cutesy mugs, bold and brassy is the way to go. You’d better really like the Union Jack though, as Brabantia-ware is built to last.

Price £110 www.brabantia.com

For helpful advice and inspiration

Call 01245 200917 w w w.justshutters.co.uk

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | PAGE 35 T2482 JS 90x277 Inspire 0612.indd 1

17/05/2012 10:05

The Garden

Outside In

Garden furniture is no longer just striped canvas chairs and plastic tables. Garden living, if the weather ever lets the cold, wet and beleaguered inhabitants of Great Britain enjoy it, is enjoying a surge in popularity, and when the sun is shining, out is definitely the new in.

Even if your garden isn’t quite big enough for a garden party, you can still accessorise it with some great outdoor furniture and elegant accessories and sculptures that will last for years to come and add a touch of class to an everyday outdoor space.

Braintree based Barlow Tyrie have brought out a new range of garden furniture that’s not what you would normally expect to see in the back garden. Forget wicker chairs and flimsy tables, the new Mercury modular deep seating is built around sturdy stainless steel, and the modular design makes it really easy to fit the funky looking furniture into gardens of all shapes and sizes.

The fabric cushions are also waterproof, available in two colours and the set also includes a low coffee table that can be integrated in to any seating arrangement. www.teak.com When summer finally gets here, what better way to celebrate its long-awaited arrival than with a lovely glass of bubbly in the back garden?

This fabulous stone effect round table will be the perfect place to rest it, and because it’s heavy and durable, it won’t blow away when the inevitable thunderstorms and wind come along soon afterwards! We think it would look great with one or two of the matching curved benches, too.

Price: £327 (table) and £275 (bench) Add a beautiful stone effect lover’s bench and spice up your garden in classic style.

Price: £545 www.sweetpeaandwillow.com

36 PAGE | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

This classic lounge chair was designed in Mexico, nobody knows who by, but it became popular in the fifties when Acapulco became a hotspot for celebs. Ideal for poolside if you’re lucky enough to have one – but if not, it looks right at home in any garden, conservatory or garden room, and is available in black, white and turquoise.

Price: £179 www.pussyhomeboutique.co.uk Chill out in this Apple daybed pod from Furniture Village – perfect for an afternoon nap in the sunshine!

Price: £949 - www.furniturevillage.co.uk

The Garden

Having Friends Over?

Ornamental garden

If you’re having a garden party, barbecue or just a few mates over, this Keter ‘Cool Bar’ is absolutely ideal for the summer of celebrations. No more going back indoors to the fridge for drinks – everything’s cool and on-hand, and the Cool Bar keeps everyone’s drinks cold for up to 12 hours.

Price: RRP £50 from Tesco or Lakeland.

This fabulous ‘station clock’ style clock tells the time on both sides! It comes with a handy bracket for wall-mounting and runs on AA batteries.

Price: £20.95 www.primrose.co.uk How about this for a talking point? A female torso statue made from matte silver metal discs, probably not what you’d expect to find in a suburban back garden, which is all the more reason to put one there…

Price: £139.99 www.SandEdge.com

The extensive range of antique garden ornaments available from Garden Art Plus will mark your garden out as the place to be this summer, and the neighbours will soon be asking you where you got them from.

Choose from urns, statues, benches, tables, birdbaths, sundials, fountains, stone troughs and staddle stones which are all sourced from around the country. We just fell for this antique ‘old man watching the telly’ wrought iron weather vane – just one example of the unusual garden decorations you can find… Price: From £1,200 www.gardenartplus.com

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | PAGE 37

The Garden

Looking after your garden furniture • Stainless Steel: Stainless steel

• Iron: Although iron furniture is long-

furniture feels modern and a bit sophisticated and it’s really popular right now. Stainless steel is great because it’s durable and long lasting, and because it’s made up of an alloy of steel and chromium, it’s also resistant to rust and corrosion. You need to clean stainless steel furniture regularly with warm water, and dry it off. Clean the furniture in the same direction as the polish or lacquer to avoid getting any water spots, and if there are any stubborn stains you can use washing up liquid or mild detergent.

Get rid of any annoying fingerprints with glass cleaner.

lasting, it needs proper care and protection too.

Looking after it properly will make it last even longer! If you spot any rusty bits, just rub it with a wire brush, or for a few little spots you can get away with a steel-wool pad to remove the rust stains. If it’s just dirt you want to get rid of, just rinse it with a sponge soaked in warm soapy water. Dry it properly with dry cloth, towel or tissues to remove excess water. To keep the glow and the shine of the furniture try adding a neutral car wax twice a year or a liquid furniture spray will also keep your furniture sparkling. Always bring iron furniture indoors during winter or cover it with canvas. Also, you need to keep it protected from harsh sunlight as it can cause cracks.

“The Unusual Suspects”

• Celosia or “Prince of Wales Feather”: this can be used as a centre piece or in borders, depending on the variety you buy. They have compact conical flowers and many iridescent colours to catch the eye. They almost look artificial and are well worth hunting out.

• Kochia or “Burning Bush”: this is grown simply for its foliage. It has no flowers at all.

Its feathery dense leaves form a conifer-like shape and contrast beautifully with any colour scheme you choose to plant below.

• Cleome or “Spider Plant”: this is a large specimen with scented flowers in pink, carmine, or deep mauve. The long stamens give the flower its spidery appearance.

For trailing plants in hanging baskets or tubs you could try the following.

- by Grant Whitaker

• Plastic:

If you look after plastic furniture it will last you a while, although it’s prone to scratches and can be really damaged by strong sunlight. If you’re keeping it outside, try not to leave it in direct sunlight for too long, or at least invest in a parasol to cover it. Cold weather can also play havoc, with wind and rain causing splits and cracks. Cover the furniture over winter to avoid the worst of the problem.

To clean it, shake it off and wipe with a paper towel, blow it with the leaf blower or a vacuum cleaner, or you could even wash it with a hose if your hosepipe ban’s been lifted yet! If it gets really grubby, just clean it with a sponge full of soapy water and dry off properly afterwards.

I’m sure everyone is familiar with the usual bedding plants which are available today; petunias, busy lizzies, geraniums… There are, however, many other unusual specimens and with a little searching around your local garden centre, you’ll be sure to find some.

Centre pieces in tubs and baskets are very important. These plants need to be taller than all others around it and also very eye catching as they tend to be the first thing people notice.

Try the following for something a little out of the ordinary.

• Amaranthus or “Love Lies Bleeding”: the most popular type is Amaranthus Caudatus.

It has lush green leaves and striking crimson tassels which hang down like rope, to create a stunning effect.

• Lotus: this plant has silver feathery foliage, its flowers appear in profusion through the summer and look like tiny lobster claws. It never fails to make people take a second look.

• Scaevola: this Australian plant has flowers with petals that appear on one side only. When in full flower the plant looks as though it is covered in tiny fans.

There are many other types of plants to use in your summer displays other than the usual suspects and as always, your local garden centre will be able to point you in the right direction of the more unusual varieties.

38 PAGE | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

Want to eat out tonight?

Dine in Style

Lee Doran recommends

THE BAY HORSE

• Want great food?

• Want a discount loyalty card?

It can be hard to to decide where to eat locally these days… We are all looking for value for money, great food and an atmosphere to match.

We’ve found somewhere that matches up!

The Bay Horse, in Moulsham Street at the heart of Chelmsford is a beautiful 15th Century Tudor style building with original features, plus the decor and quirkiness of a contemporary establishment. We like it a lot!

We first visited in August last year. The restaurant had just reopened after being lovingly restored, and transformed into an upmarket eatery. We loved it then for the mouth-watering food, refreshing drinks and the classic cocktail list.

we were full until we saw the dessert menu strawberry and white chocolate Pavlova and cherry jubilee roly poly pudding with custard went down a treat, thank you very much.

One thing that really stood out was the check back service, after course, Bruce, our server, checked back in to see if we were OK, and he was around when we needed him, which was a big positive.

We went back again recently to check out the new Spring Menu. The new menu includes delicious dishes - including fillet of pork, seasonal lamb and locally sourced prime steak.

Another nice touch was a note with the steaks explaining how to choose your perfect steak.

Manager Amy took the time to chat to us, and explained that the restaurant wants to cater to upmarket professionals, and has introduced an over 21’s policy after 8pm. The town centre location makes the Bay Horse a unique spot for fine dining in with really a friendly atmosphere we couldn’t help but notice.

The menu is clever - combining traditional dishes with a bistro concept. Award winning head chef Dan Blucert (From Jimmy’s Farm) uses the finest fresh, locally sourced ingredients and there’s something for everyone. They cater for special dietary requirements too, you just have to ask.

Amy also wanted to tell us about the Bay Horse Corporate Card and Customer Loyalty Card. “At the moment there is a real culture of one off vouchers and promotions. We keep it simple and offer a discount of 10% off the bill – including drinks – to anyone with a loyalty card. And there’s no expiry date!”

The lunch menu is served from midday to 5pm, featuring starters, mains, desserts, sandwiches and side orders; even a three course set meal for £15.95.

The set evening menu is served from 5 to 9pm – a two course meal is £14.95 and three courses for £19.95 The traditional Sunday Lunch Menu is served from 12 midday to 5pm varies from week to week and is available to view on Sundays. For two courses it’s £14.95, and for three it’s £19.95.”

We really like The Bay Horse!

RED INSPI

OFFER

If you want a loyalty card, just cut out the one printed below and take it to the Bay Horse, where they will replace it with a nice shiny one to keep. We’ll see you down there!

There’s a fabulous selection of wines and over 20 cocktails to choose from - and 5 - 7 pm every Monday to Thursday is cocktail Happy Hour, two for the price of one on all cocktails.

We chose smoked mackerel pâté with pickled summer vegetables and toast, and sautéed king prawns with samphire, lemon and garlic butter. We couldn’t fault the presentation or the taste! Head Chef Dan recommended the fillet of pork with sweet potato chips, chilli pork scratchings and mango salsa, and the Bay Horse homemade burger with Applewood cheddar, bacon and shoestring fries. How did it taste? Well, we didn’t leave any! We thought www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | PAGE 39

Dine in Style

Best of British!

It’s all about the UK right now, and we’ve got some dee-lish British inspired recipes for you, making the very best of British ingredients and our national creativity when it comes to food.

Check out the blog at www.inspiredessex.co.uk for even more scrumptious foodie ideas for June.

Pork & Stilton Burgers Ingredients: • • • • • •

400g (14oz) lean pork mince 1 small red onion, finely chopped 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme Pinch chilli powder (optional) 100g (4oz) Stilton cheese, finely crumbled

• Freshly ground black pepper

To serve: • • • •

4 burger buns Mixed salad leaves 4 x 15g (1/2oz) slices Stilton cheese Sweet chilli sauce (optional)

Sweet Treats!

Nothing says ‘English summer party’ better than this Royal Jubilee Trifle, created by by Will Torrent, award winning celebrity pastry chef. This delicious trifle, created using Nielsen-Massey extracts, is includes a few shortcuts for the time conscious and is enriched with quality ingredients for a truly luxurious taste including mouth-watering white chocolate, vanilla custard, fresh berries and glazed meringue. Do you know, I think my mouth was watering as I wrote that…

Method: 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork, red onion, rosemary, thyme, chilli powder (if using) and crumbled Stilton. Season with black pepper, then form into four burgers. Keep covered and chilled.

2. When ready to cook, preheat the grill, barbecue or char-grill pan. Cook the burgers for 8-10 minutes per side, depending on their thickness (they should be thoroughly cooked).

To see the ingredients and how to make this visit our website www.inspiredessex.co.uk

40 PAGE | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

3. Split the burger buns and toast the cut sides, if you like. Top with salad leaves, then a burger. Finish each one off with a slice of Stilton and a drizzle of sweet chilli sauce, if you like.

Cook’s tip: For a great mini treat for parties and buffets, form the burgers into meatballs and bake in the oven at 200°C/fan oven 180°C/Gas Mark 6 for 20 minutes, then serve in warm pitta breads with salad and sweet chilli sauce.

Everest Gurkha Bar & Restaurant

Loch Fyne

The Bay Horse

The Alma

We would like to invite you into the

Situated on Bond Street, our restaurant

Situated in the heart of Chelmsford this

Come and soak up the atmosphere at

restaurant for a fine-dining and cultural

has a large bar area, restaurant seating

beautiful 15th Century Tudor Style

this beautiful & cosy pub, enjoy a light

experience with our truly authentic

for 120 guests. Come and join us for the

building, maintains all its original

bite or classic pub meal or see what the

Nepalese cuisine that is sure to give

freshest, most delicious seafood - we’re

features, with the decor and quirkiness

stylish air conditioned restaurant has to

you an exotic taster of the vibrant yet

open all day from breakfast through to

of a more modern, contemporary

offer, with a great menu offering a good

equally peaceful country. There will be

dinner for drinks, light snacks and

cutting edge establishment. The

selection of fresh fish along with regular

frequent dates of Live Jazz Night, with a

seafood feasts! We are delighted to

beautiful Bay Horse in Moulsham

daily specials all of which are freshly

cleared dance floor for our customers to

offer a first rate à la carte menu at our

Street has been transformed into an

cooked to order, using ingredients

catch the rhythm including special

Loch Fyne Chelmsford restaurant and

amazing upmarket eatery, combining a

sourced locally where possible. We pride

traditional performances of Nepalese

you will be treated to a great array

traditional wine bar and bistro concept,

ourselves on our quality cask ales and

folklore dancing. We hope you can come

of fresh and seasonal dishes that are

with exquisite yet contemporary tastes.

premium beers as well as our extensive

to enjoy the Nepalese atmosphere and

perfect for every palate - come down

The ultimate destination for mouth

range of wines and champagnes. Come

we look forward to welcoming you.

and see us soon.

watering food, refreshing drinks and

and enjoy everything your home from

exceptional service.

home has to offer.

European

British, Modern

Classic Pub

Finest Nepalese Cuisine

01245 493929 8-10 Broomfield Road www.everestgurkhabarandrestaurant.co.uk

01245 293620 Bond St, Chelmsford www.lochfyne-restaurants.com

01245 251 371 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford www.bayhorsechelmsford.com

01245 256783 Arbour Lane, Chelmsford www.thealma.info

The Lion Inn

Chiquito

Strada

Sapori Ristorante

The Lion Inn offers diners a unique

‘South of the border’ passion is always

Strada describes itself as ‘a group of

Located in the Atlantic Hotel. Translated

eating and drinking experience as well

served up at Chiquito. A menu of

stylish, contemporary Italian restaurants,

“Sapori” is italian for flavours. This es-

as hotel facilities and a new style to rival

bold Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine is

serving good quality, simple and freshly

sence has been incorporated in every

many. Our menu is based on good pub

prepared however the diner likes it.

prepared dishes’. Each outlet retains

detail of this elegant restaurant and

grub that’s been given a continental

Burritos, sizzling fajitas and tacos can

the feel of being a local neighbourhood

bar. The menu focuses on the region of

feel. We know you’d expect to find

all be customised for vegetarians or

Italian restaurant. The menu includes

Abruzzo on the Adriatic coast. Sapori

steak, fish & chips and a delicious

those wanting more spice. A kids menu,

pastas, risottos, salads, and fish dishes,

offers an a la carte menu, as well as a

shortcrust pastry pie but we also hope

games and entertainment add to the

but they are best known for their quality

bar menu for those who prefer a lighter

to tempt you with Thai style mussels

family-friendly vibe, and there is a great

pizzas. They present authentic Italian

meal. Specialising in fresh seafood,

and rotisserie garlic & herb chicken to

range of exciting cocktails, mocktails,

dishes in contemporary surroundings

home-made pasta with a variety of

name but a few of the freshly prepared

wines and tequilas.

and aim to use only the freshest and

mouth watering sauces, rustic breads

and cooked to order dishes on our

finest ingredients, imported from Italy

and flamboyant desserts.

menu.

to provide exactly the kind of rustic,

British, Modern

Mexican

Italian

Italian

traditional dishes.

01245 394900 Boreham, Chelmsford www.lioninnhotel.co.uk

01245 240800 Army & Navy, Chelmsford www.chiquito.co.uk

01245 491 991 Baddow Road, Chelmsford www.strada.co.uk

01245 268 179 New Street, Chelmsford www.saporiitalian.co.uk

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | PAGE 41

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42 PAGE | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

Motors

The Moving Motor show 2012 The Moving Motor Show presented by Auto Trader, is returning to Goodwood to delight motor enthusiasts for the third time in 2012.

An important addition to the Festival of Speed, it gives a limited number of lucky motoring enthusiasts and new car buyers a chance to see the very latest models up close for the first time in the UK, and in some cases, also climb aboard and experience the vehicles first-hand strictly at the invitation of the attending vehicle manufacturers.

The Moving Motor Show is a direct response to the continued enthusiasm and demand from vehicle manufacturers and motorists alike for an annual motor show in Britain, enabling car buyers to see and experience the latest models, and giving car companies the opportunity to showcase their products in a stunning setting and a relaxed environment.

Exhibiting vehicle brands will display their very latest models at the Moving Motor Show, and their car will undertake hundreds of runs on a special evaluation route within the extensive grounds of the Goodwood Estate that includes the world-famous Festival of Speed hillclimb, following in the wheel tracks of many elebrated racing drivers, including Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton and Sir Stirling Moss.

All sectors of the new car market are represented, from economy hatchbacks to MPVs, family saloons to SUVs and prestige

limousines to supercars, with manufacturers having their own stands to display their products and interact with customers.

Additionally, the FoS-TECH technology pavilion offers manufacturers an opportunity to present their latest environmentally-considerate concepts, with the Moving Motor Show enabling the very latest road cars to be presented.

Plenty to See and Do Visitors to the Moving Motor Show will also be able to enjoy a host of other attractions, including an off-road driving course, live music, a mouth-watering supercar paddock, Cartier ‘Style et Luxe’ concours d’elegance, air displays and a stunning ‘central display’ automotive art installation. www.goodwood.co.uk

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | PAGE 43

On your marks, get set, GO – by Sarah Brockwell

How to get your business booming this summer with the Olympics and Jubilee Every four years since 1896, one country plays host to the spectacle that is the Olympic Games. This year it is our turn as London (and Essex) hosts not only the Olympic, but also the Paralympic Games.

In addition, this year sees the 60th anniversary of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II amid national celebrations scheduled for 2-5 June.

There is bound to be a nationwide high as the country gets together in anticipation to celebrate. As a business owner, you can certainly harness the country’s feel-good factor to sell more and do better business this year.

In our feature, resident Business Guru Sarah Brockwell gives you the inside view.

First of all let’s make a distinction between B2C retailers (shops) and B2B businesses (those businesses whose clients are other businesses).

Better Business for Shops and Retailers Shops and retailers can focus on branding their offerings with the Olympics or Jubilee. For example restaurants could add an ‘Olympic’ item to their menu; clothes shops could have great window displays with dummies in sporty or patriotic clothing. Suppliers of domestic goods can organize seasonal promotions.

Internet sellers can make the most of current affairs by making sure that meta tags and ad-words are up to date to ensure great Search Engine Optimisation.

say about the Olympics and the Jubilee. For example, the Olympics are all about training, team spirit and excellence and you can reflect that in the messages you send to both your staff and clients.

The Golden Jubilee is a time to reflect on the past 60 years and how your industry has changed over that time. If your business is mature enough you could feature some old photos on your website or in a promotional leaflet. You could send a newsletter or an email message to clients to talk about your company’s long-term commitment. Maybe this is a good time to start considering exporting. The whole world will be focused on the UK this summer so grab any opportunities with both hands.

How to Motivate Staff Any business with staff can use the Olympic message of teamwork to motivate and inspire the workforce. Try some good old team building tasks and remember to get everyone involved – not just the sales staff.

If there are going to be street parties near you then make sure your business is involved.

Sponsoring a party is great for branding, or you could lend some equipment like chairs or tables.

Why not donate a prize to a raffle or organize a competition?

Business Services Providers If you are a business that provides business services then this is a great time to show your clients how you are getting into the spirit.

All of your social media outlets e.g. Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest can provide the opportunity for you to get creative with what you have to

44 PAGE | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

We all like child’s-play and having a Jubilee tea party for staff is a great chance for everyone to let their hair down. Instead of providing everything yourself, task each member of staff with bringing some ingredients for sandwiches and refreshments.

Whatever you choose to do, just make sure you have fun. Let’s make this summer a time for Essex Businesses to do better.

Sarah Brockwell is the Principal and Founder of sarahBee marketing, an award-winning PR and marketing company covering Essex. With over 20 years experience in marketing for SMEs, Sarah has helped hundreds of businesses do better. For more information visit www.sarahbeemarketing.com

7 Mistakes to Avoid for Customer Satisfaction – Levent Yildizgoren I recently made a complaint to a company about something they printed for us. It took them 10 weeks to resolve the matter and I had to send them 6 reminders during that time asking for update. Eventually I called the company’s managing director and made an additional complaint about the way my complaint was being handled. Although the issue was resolved amicably in the end, there is no doubt that my complaint was not handled very efficiently.

I was surprised that this reputable company had dealt with my complaint so inefficiently. And I was determined that something positive should come out of this experience. If anything just to ensure that none of our customers have to go through a similar experience.

Therefore I am writing this for our company and other translation providers who would love to put their customers first.

We regularly ask our customers if they are happy with the translation services we provide.

If we get a complaint we will do our utmost to resolve the issue. Because no matter how much attention to detail we pay; there may be an occasion where the customer may not be satisfied. After all we are all humans and can make mistakes.

Feedback vs. Complaint Is there a much difference between feedback and a complaint? Isn’t this similar to glass half-full/half-empty syndrome? The majority of customers who do not complain about services they are unhappy with, almost always take their business elsewhere. According to statistics, it is not a bad thing to receive a complaint. If the complaint is resolved promptly, customers may continue using the same service provider. When the customer does indeed complain, the service provider has an opportunity to correct the problem, and as a result can maintain a positive business relationship.

Asking for feedback is just the start - we need to know what to do if we receive negative feedback, or a complaint. It’s important to have a complaints procedure in place, but just as important to raise awareness of common mistakes an avoid future problems. I very much hope that you’re reading this article to prevent complaints and not because you’re handling one at the moment!

Business

Here are the 7 mistakes to avoid if your customer complains about the service you have provided:

This approach can also create a ‘blame culture’ in the company and will destroy trust among colleagues.

#1 – Putting the complaint to the bottom of your to-do list

#5 – Not recording the complaint

Delaying to dealing with the complaint will not make the issue go away: it will only complicate it further, which can be very frustrating for the customer. The longer the matter is left unresolved, the more difficult it is to find a productive solution. Dealing with the issue promptly will lead to a positive solution, which is after all what the customer came to you for in the first place.

#2 – Automatically assume that the complainant wants a discount Assuming that the complaint is only made with the intention of receiving a discount or not paying for the service at all can lead you to form a very cynical view of your customers. In the long run this will be counter-productive, and will stop you looking at the complaint objectively. If this assumption is in place then you will take a defensive stance from the very beginning.

The other extreme is offering a discount as soon as your customer complains. This will stop you from getting to the bottom of the matter and would not prevent future mistakes.

#3 – Not listening to your customer or not understanding the complaint Merely paying a lip service to the customer and nodding your head with sympathy will not enable you to understand the reason of the complaint: it will stop you from finding a beneficial win/win resolution to the matter. It will only temporarily pacify your client and gain you some time.

Understanding your customer’s need will enable you to find the perfect solution.

It is essential that complaints are recorded in order to ensure that the same mistakes do not keep occurring. Every service provider, whether they are a company or a freelancer needs to have a complaint procedure and part of it should be definitely keeping records of complaints. This is a good sign that you are not afraid of dealing with issues.

#6 – Not learning from your mistakes Despite your endeavours and good will, there was a problem and you managed to resolve it, but no lessons were learned. It is essential to learn from your mistakes in order not to repeat them.

Learning from your own mistakes is important but learning from others’ mistakes is even better.

#7 – Not resolving the issue to your customer’s satisfaction Only finding a part solution and dealing with the matter half-heartedly is the wrong way to handle complaints. Total dedication in resolving the matter to your customer’s satisfaction will not go unnoticed and will encourage them to come back to you again and again.

Let’s remember that keeping an existing client happy costs a lot less than finding new clients.

If you would like to discuss any of the above or find out how I can help you or your company, please contact me by email levent@wetranslate.co.uk or call +44 (0)1245 216930.

#4 – Blaming someone else for the problem Immediately trying to find excuses and/or blaming another person involved in the project is a sure way to annoy your customer and can destroy your customer’s confidence in the company. An even worse approach would be trying to blame the client for the problems: this is a very destructive approach and will definitely make your customers go elsewhere.

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | PAGE 45

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Inspired Hearts Young Adult Fiction!

We love a bit of teen fiction at Inspired (guess who read all the Twilight books when she was 37?) and one of the rising stars of the genre is the wonderful Keris Stainton. We caught up with Keris as she prepares for the launch of her latest book…

“I’ve read so many books that deal with so many different issues important to teens from family to disability to sexuality - but my favourites do it with humour and a lightness of touch, which unfortunately means they’re often dismissed as “fluffy”.”

writing Della Says and at one point stopped and thought, “Wait. How does anyone go anywhere?!” I think Americans would say the biggest difference is that British teens get drunk a lot more - I’ve had a few comments along those lines from shocked American reviewers!”

Keris spends almost all of her time tweeting, snacking, and drinking tea, but every now and then she knuckles down and writes a book for young adults. Della Says: OMG! and Jessie Hearts NYC are out now with Emma Hearts LA coming 7 June.

4. Did you pour your heart out in your teenage diary like Della in ‘Della says OMG?’

7. What do you love most about writing for this age group?

1. Keris, what was it that attracted you to writing young adult fiction?

“I had an idea, completely out of the blue, about a teenager. I loved writing that book so much that I’ve never really looked back.”

2. What books or authors inspired you when you were growing up?

“I loved Enid Blyton. The Mallory Towers series in particular. Then, as a teen, I became obsessed with these American books called Sweet Dreams. There are hundreds of them and I could not stop reading them. They had hilarious covers and brilliant titles like ‘PS I Love You’ and ‘Three Cheers for Love’. “

Teen fiction is often seen as a bit ‘fluffy’ – how do you deal with issues that affect teenage girls in a way that they can relate to?

“Ugh. Hate the word fluffy. It’s only teen fiction predominantly read by girls that’s seen as fluffy, in the same way that women’s fiction is ‘chick lit’ and men’s fiction is... fiction. As for dealing with issues, different authors do it in different ways. I baulk at the idea of writing an ‘issue’ book, but it was important for me that in, for example, Della Says: OMG! I wrote positively (and responsibly) about sex.

“Only in a really pathetic, moany, way. I eally didn’t have much of a life - I spent all my time in my room, reading and having fantasy relationships with pop stars, so my diary was completely embarrassing. Which is why, when I left home, I glued, sellotaped and stapled the pages together, before burying it deep in the outdoor bin. “

5. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you as a teenage girl?

“I used to wet myself when I laughed. I know now that it’s a really common problem, but at the time, it was just totally humiliating. We used to climb trees a lot in our local park and one summer I was wearing shorts, climbing a tree. Behind me was the boy I liked, who was really funny (which is why I liked him). He made me laugh, I started to wee and did that frantic leg crossing thing to try to hide it, which is particularly hard when a) you’re wearing shorts and b) you’re climbing a tree. And then one of my so-called friends, Louise, said “What’s that running down your legs, Keris?” Teenage girls are HORRIBLE.”

6. You travelled to LA to research for ‘Emma Hearts LA’ – how does teen culture differ in the US to the UK? “Ooh, that’s a good question. My friend Keren David pinpointed the biggest difference, I think - American teens can drive. So they have a certain amount of freedom British teens don’t.

I hadn’t even thought about that until I started

“I love that it’s such a time of flux - that you’re working out who you are and dealing with other people’s expectations. That was the very first idea I had for a YA novel, which was a teen with amnesia. I loved the idea of having - as a teen the chance to start your personality again from scratch.”

8. Which other YA authors do you admire and why?

“So many. One of the best things for me since I started writing YA is how enthusiastic and supportive the YA community is - I feel like I’ve really found my “tribe”. I’ve just finished reading Adorkable by Sarra Manning and it totally blew me away. It’s so funny and charming and totally up to date plus she deals with serious issues with ease and humour. I love Meg Cabot because she’s an ideas machine, plus she’s really supportive of other writers. Keren David writes the most fabulous books and is apparently also unafraid of controversy, so writes brilliant blog posts too, whereas I generally stick to passive aggressive tweets (most of the time!). “

9. Do you have any plans for writing adult fiction in the future?

“I’m not ruling it out, but I’ve got lots of YA ideas and no adult ideas at all, so if it does happen, it won’t be any time soon! “

10. When is Emma Hearts LA due for publication?

“7 June! I can’t wait.”

Emma Hearts LA will be available from all good bookshops, and online from Amazon.

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | PAGE 47

Pets

A Big Hello form Millie Gryffin-paw One of the new Labradors from the Sandringham Estate - the queen’s country retreat in Norfolk - has been called Gryffindor after Harry Potter’s house at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. We don’t know whether the rest of the litter was named Slytherin, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw…

The Queen’s kennelman told Country Life about the magical choice of doggy name during an interview with Country Life magazine with him and the queen’s retired gun dog trainer Bill Meldrum.

Are you stuck for a name for your new pup?

Well, do as the Queen does and turn to films and TV for your inspiration – she’s just named her latest brood of puppies after characters from Harry Potter!

The kennels at Sandringham are home to 20 gundogs, Labradors and cocker spaniels.

Queen Elizabeth has always been known as a bit of a dog lover, especially the corgis that follow her around Buckingham Palace like, well, puppy dogs! Her pets Monty, Willow and Holly are all descended from Susan, the pet corgi she was given on her 18th birthday.

Doggy Do! Even doggies and their dutiful owners don’t get to escape a bit of Union Jack iconography, and it’s much prettier than walking around with a plastic bag and a poop-scoop in your jacket pocket on those long summer doggy walks.

The Dicky Bag encourages good dog owning citizenship, making it easy to pick up after your pet and stop the need for dumping bags of dog poop. You can wander around with your hands free and forget about the least pleasant bit of being a dog owner…

The Dicky Bag Features a Universal Clip, so you can attach it to yourself or your dog’s lead, a storage area for fresh biodegradable bags which are included (additional packs also available),and a very useful unique rubber odour prevention seal air freshener!

Price: £27 www.wowthankyou.co.uk

48 PAGE | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | www.Inspiredessex.co.uk

Prince William probably won’t follow the Royal corgi tradition when he eventually becomes king. He said recently: “They’re barking all the time. I don’t know how she copes with it.”

Broomfield Hospital receives tremendous support from the community throughout the year. Below are just a few examples of how the generosity of local supporters has made a positive difference to life at the hospital.

Local Mid Essex Hospital Services Support NHS Trust

If you would like to support the hospital

Mid Essex Hospital Services

through a community group or campaign, simply contact Yvonne Carter in the Charities Office on 01245 514559 for more information about how you can get involved.

Goldwings Granny Run another ROARING success With the help of fifty raring to go grannies, Essex Wings Motorcycle Club has once again given an incredible boost to the hospital’s charitable funds following another successful annual Goldwings Granny run.

Over the last five years, the event has raised over £50,000 for various charities throughout the hospital

2012 Mountain Bike Olympics Essex is hosting the 2012 mountain bike Olympics, but look what great support Mid Essex Hospital are receiving from cyclists who really appreciate the care given by MEHT staff.

Denise is cycling 52 miles for Mid Essex Hospitals NHS Trust Charitable Fund because she thinks the neonatal unit at Broomfield is amazing!!

Her son Louis was born 29 weeks premature and without the care and support of the NeoNatal unit at Broomfield Hospital he may not be here today. Denise explained, “The work the Neonatal unit does is amazing and so very special, so I’m supporting the MEHT charity, as words cannot express how thankful my family and I are for everything they did for Louis.”

Denise added “Nobody knows what situation they may find themselves in and if I can help to raise money and awareness for the unit to help other babies get the much needed incubators and equipment the hospital always need then

NHS NHS

NHS Trust

The fifty leather-clad grandmothers made the most of the glorious sunshine and rode pillion on the back of Honda Goldwings motorbikes from Broomfield Hospital to Mersea Island and back to raise funds for the Breast Reconstruction Awareness fund.

John Hall from Essex Wings who helped organised the run said: “The Granny Run is a brilliant event to be a part of and we’re really thankful to all the guys coming down on their bikes and taking the grannies out for a run.”

Pink, frilly bras replaced the usual mascots and flags this year!

it would be wonderful and I will feel that I have helped to show the nurses and doctors my appreciation, for my little miracle Louis” Please support her by donating at http://www. justgiving.com/denise-dell

Stag on a Bike As a prelude to Ian Hayden’s stag celebrations in Berlin this August, he is cycling the 400 plus miles there with three friends - that’s averaging 70 miles per day for six days.

Jayne Knight, Breast Reconstruction CNS, came to wave the grannies and their bikers off and said: “I’d like to thank everyone from Essex Wings for doing such an amazing job organising the event, and of course to all the ladies who took part for raising sponsorship and making the day such a huge success. With their help we can do that much more to provide vital support to ladies undergoing breast reconstruction.”

Cruising through the Essex countryside, with the bikers and their pillions waving to curious onlookers as they rode by!

Ian said “This is to raise money for the Breast Reconstruction Unit at St Andrews Centre (Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford), after the amazing care and support that they gave my mum last year after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“It is because of the team there that she has been able to make such a swift recovery, and to whom we all owe a massive thank you” To donate by text, please text “UYOH73 £....” to 70070

Remember Matched Giving Many companies will help charities through a matched giving scheme. Some will match pound for pound, and others will even double match donations made to registered charities by its employees. If you are donating to us for any reason, be it for excellent patient care or for a sponsored event , please check with your Payroll or HR department whether your company operates a scheme like this as it could make your donation worth even more to us.

www.Inspiredessex.co.uk | JUNE 2012 ISSUE 14 | PAGE 49

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